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| 70 Squadron | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | 70 Squadron |
| Caption | Handley Page Victor of the Royal Air Force in flight |
| Dates | 1916–present |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Role | Transport and VIP transport |
| Garrison | RAF Brize Norton |
| Motto | "Here and Everywhere" |
| Identification symbol | A demi-winged globe |
| Aircraft transport | Boeing 757-200 |
70 Squadron is a squadron of the Royal Air Force with origins in the First World War. Over more than a century the unit has served in theatres including the Western Front (World War I), the Middle East, and the Cold War period, performing roles from reconnaissance and bomber operations to strategic transport and VIP airlift. It has operated a wide variety of aircraft and been involved in notable operations linked to figures such as David Lloyd George, Winston Churchill, and events like the Suez Crisis.
70 Squadron was formed during the expansion of the Royal Flying Corps in the First World War. It has a lineage connecting interwar imperial policing duties in the British Raj, through major actions in the Second World War across North Africa and the Sinai and Palestine Campaign, to Cold War-era transport responsibilities supporting operations in Falkland Islands logistics and modern deployments to Operation Granby and Operation Telic. The squadron’s deployments reflect broader imperial, wartime, and post-colonial commitments of the United Kingdom.
Raised in 1916 at Hendon Aerodrome as part of the Royal Flying Corps expansion, the unit initially operated reconnaissance and fighter types over the Western Front. After the Armistice of 11 November 1918, the squadron was re-deployed to the North-West Frontier joining the air services in India and later undertaking survey and transport work supporting administrations in the British Raj and neighboring mandates administered after the Treaty of Sèvres era. During the interwar years the squadron adapted to colonial policing and long-range communications over areas including Mesopotamia and Aden.
At the outbreak of the Second World War, the squadron operated in the Middle East under commands coordinating with the Mediterranean campaigns. It supported operations linked to the Siege of Tobruk, the First Battle of El Alamein, and the North African Campaign, performing transport, bombing, and reconnaissance sorties. The squadron’s movements intersected with major formations such as Egyptian Expeditionary Force-era commands and Allied logistics chains tied to Operation Crusader and later support during the invasion of Sicily and the Italian Campaign.
Following the Second World War, the squadron transitioned to peacetime transport and VIP duties, participating in airlift operations during the Suez Crisis and supporting diplomatic missions during the Cold War. Reforms within the Royal Air Force in the 1950s and 1960s saw re-equipment cycles and reassignment to strategic and tactical transport roles, often operating from hubs such as RAF Lyneham and later RAF Brize Norton. Elements of the squadron were involved in supporting operations associated with United Nations peacekeeping commitments and UK responses to contingencies in Cyprus, Beirut, and the Balkans during the 1990s, as well as deployments in support of Operation Telic and the UK contribution to Operation Enduring Freedom.
Throughout its history the squadron flew a succession of types reflecting changing roles: early biplanes from the Royal Aircraft Factory series, twin-engined transports in the interwar period, and multi-engine types during the Second World War such as variants comparable to the Handley Page Halifax and other RAF transports. In the Cold War the unit operated strategic and tactical transports including types akin to the Gloster Meteor-era transitions, and later modern airliners converted for military service such as the Boeing 757. Specialized VIP-configured variants supported heads of state and senior ministers, enabling links with institutions like 10 Downing Street and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Commanding officers and notable aircrew have included decorated pilots and staff officers who later held senior appointments in the Royal Air Force and related ministries. Figures associated with the squadron’s history intersect with personalities who served in the Royal Flying Corps and later RAF leadership, including aviators recognized by awards such as the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Service Order, and the Air Force Cross. Several squadron members later contributed to civil aviation and diplomatic services, creating links with organizations like the Civil Aviation Authority and the British Embassy network.
The squadron badge, motto, and ceremonial practices reflect its long service. The insignia features a demi-winged globe symbolizing global reach and transport responsibilities, a motif echoed in squadron standards and mess traditions tied to RAF College Cranwell training lineage and commemorations on anniversaries such as Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday. Squadron songs, mottos, and the preservation of unit colours form part of heritage efforts coordinated with the Imperial War Museum and veteran associations.